1. Name - Marazzo
The series production version of Mahindra’s upcoming MPV is called the ‘Marazzo.’ It was previously known by the codename U321. Mahindra says that the word 'Marazzo' comes from a sub-Spanish language -- Basque -- and it means ‘shark.’ The Marazzo's design is inspired by a shark, says Mahindra.
2. No Lineage
The Marazzo is not a successor of any existing Mahindra or discontinued Mahindra MPV. It's a completely new products developed by Mahindra and its North American subsidiary, Mahindra North American Technical Centre (MNATC).
3. New platform
The Mahindra Marazzo is underpinned by a brand new platform. It is going to be Mahindra's third monocoque-based product. The other monocoque Mahindra vehicles are the XUV500 and the KUV100. Presumably, the Mahindra Marazzo will be compatible with the government's upcoming 2020 crash test norms.
4. Competition - No direct rival!
The MPV segment may not have as many sub-segments or options as SUVs but it’s still quite diversified. On the one hand, there’s the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and on the other, there’s the Toyota Innova Crysta/Touring Sport. Renault also offers the Lodgy in between. While the Ertiga is one of the highest selling MPVs, the Lodgy is not as popular. With the Marazzo, Mahindra is expected to hit a sweet spot between the Ertiga and Innova Crysta as far as the price is concerned. If that happens, the Marazzo won’t have a direct price rival MPV and will be in a segment of its own.
| MPV | Prices (ex-Delhi) |
| Maruti Suzuki Ertiga | Rs 6.33-10.69 lakh |
| Renault Lodgy | Rs 8.33-11.81 lakh |
| Mahindra Marazzo (expected) | ~ Rs 10-14 lakh |
| Toyota Innova Crysta/Touring Sport | Rs 14.34-22.70 lakh |
5. Feature rich
As per the official sketches released by Mahindra, the Marazzo gets projector headlamps, daytime running LEDs placed around the fog lamp housing, tail lamps with LED elements, perforated faux leather upholstery, premium-looking blue and purple backlit cabin illumination, colour multi-info screen and a bus-like running AC unit for the second and third row.
It is believed to be a more premium offering than both the Ertiga and the Lodgy. So, the Marazzo is expected to borrow several features from the XUV500, like its 7-inch infotainment system with Android Auto support and Mahindra telematic services along with an app suite. It might also offer features like auto headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, ambient lighting, static bending headlamps, tyre pressure monitoring system and push button start-stop.
6. A Spacious 7-/8-seater
Mahindra says that the Marazzo has the largest footprint of any Mahindra vehicle yet. As a result, we expect it to be a spacious MPV. Mass-market 7- and 8-seater MPVs like the Ertiga don’t offer a very practical third row for adults. A generous third row can be a USP of the Marazzo.
7. Diesel only offering
The Mahindra Marazzo will only offer a diesel engine at the time of launch, while a petrol-powered version is still under development. Mahindra didn’t reveal the details about its diesel engine apart from the fact that it will ‘virtually’ be a new engine. It could possibly be Mahindra’s reworked 1.5-litre diesel, which is likely to power the upcoming S201 sub-4m SUV as well.
8. Launch
The Mahindra Marazzo is expected to be launched in September 2018, right before the upcoming festive season. It will largely go up against the upcoming second-gen Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, which is also expected to be introduced around Diwali 2018.
Disclaimer: This article has not been edited by Deccan Chronicle and is taken from a syndicated feed. Photos: CarDekho.
